El Tesoro De Don Felipe Reposado Tequila is one of Mexico's most celebrated expressions of traditional highland tequila — a bottle that carries nearly nine decades of Camarena family artisanship in every drop. Buy online now at Rare Tequilas, with fast shipping available.
In 1937, Don Felipe Camarena founded La Alteña Distillery in the red clay highlands of Arandas, Jalisco — a region renowned for producing some of the world's finest Blue Weber agave. His dream was simple: let the agave speak. Nearly 90 years later, his grandson Carlos Camarena still follows the same philosophy. No additives. No shortcuts. Just agave, tradition, and time.
El Tesoro Reposado begins with mature Blue Weber agave, slowly crushed by a centuries-old tahona stone wheel — one of the most labor-intensive and flavor-preserving methods in tequila production. The juice is double-distilled in copper pot stills, then aged 9 to 11 months in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. The result is a reposado of extraordinary balance: fresh, cooked agave character kissed by warm vanilla, sweet oak, and a pepper-forward finish that lingers with elegance. Certified additive-free by Tequila Matchmaker.
Rated 92 Points by Tastings.com (2024) and 90 Points by Wine Enthusiast. Named Tequila Producer of the Year at the 2018 International Spirits Challenge.
Tasting Notes
| Color | Pale straw gold with brilliant clarity |
| Nose | Mild agave nectar, smoky oak, fruit, vanilla, and dill |
| Palate | Zingy and sweet — cooked agave, mint, bell pepper, fresh basil, lemon pepper, lime peel, and fleeting vanilla; silky and agave-forward |
| Finish | Pepper-forward with oak, light citrus, and vegetal notes — long, dry, and gently warming |
Product Details
| Spirit Type | 100% Blue Weber Agave Reposado Tequila |
| Distillery | La Alteña Distillery, Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico |
| NOM | 1139 |
| Production | Tahona stone crush, copper pot double-distilled |
| Aging | 9–11 months in American oak ex-bourbon barrels |
| ABV | 40% (80 Proof) |
| Additives | None — Certified Additive-Free by Tequila Matchmaker |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| SKU | 080686762409 |
Awards & Critical Acclaim
| 92 Points | Tastings.com — 2024 |
| 90 Points | Wine Enthusiast |
| 94 Points / Finalist | Ultimate Spirits Challenge — 2017 |
| Gold Medal | San Francisco World Spirits Competition — 2017 |
| Tequila Producer of the Year | International Spirits Challenge — 2018 |
The Camarena Legacy
El Tesoro — "The Treasure" — was born from Don Felipe Camarena's unwavering belief that agave, properly cultivated and crafted, could produce something truly extraordinary. Three generations later, the family's commitment to traditional production remains unbroken. Carlos Camarena continues to oversee every harvest and distillation at La Alteña, ensuring that no shortcut ever compromises the integrity of what Don Felipe started. Today, El Tesoro stands as a benchmark of artisanal tequila — revered by collectors, bartenders, and connoisseurs worldwide.
Serving Suggestions
Neat: The purist's choice — served at room temperature to fully appreciate the tahona-crushed agave character and oak complexity.
On the Rocks: A single large ice cube opens up the fruit and citrus notes beautifully.
Premium Margarita: Elevates any margarita with its natural agave richness and pepper-forward finish.
Paloma: The grapefruit and citrus profile pairs perfectly with fresh-squeezed grapefruit and sparkling water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes El Tesoro De Don Felipe Reposado different from other reposados?
El Tesoro uses a traditional tahona stone wheel to crush the agave — a rare, labor-intensive method that extracts deeper, more complex flavors than modern roller mills. Combined with copper pot distillation and no additives, it delivers an authentically agave-forward reposado that few brands can match.
Is El Tesoro De Don Felipe Reposado additive-free?
Yes — it is certified additive-free by Tequila Matchmaker, meaning no caramel coloring, glycerin, oak extract, or sweeteners have been added. What you taste is pure agave, oak, and time.
What does El Tesoro De Don Felipe Reposado taste like?
Expect a pale straw hue, aromas of agave nectar, vanilla, and smoky oak, with a zingy, sweet palate of cooked agave, bell pepper, citrus, and basil, finishing long and pepper-forward with oak and gentle warmth.
How long is El Tesoro Reposado aged?
It is aged 9 to 11 months in American oak ex-bourbon barrels — well beyond the 2-month legal minimum for reposado, delivering noticeably deeper oak integration and complexity.
What is NOM 1139?
NOM 1139 is the official Mexican government certification number assigned to La Alteña Distillery in Arandas, Jalisco. It confirms the authenticity and origin of the tequila.
Is El Tesoro De Don Felipe Reposado good for sipping or cocktails?
Both. It is widely regarded as an exceptional sipper due to its natural complexity and balanced agave character. It also performs brilliantly in premium cocktails like margaritas and palomas, where its depth shines through.